used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading "There's nothing I should like better," she replied, "for the work about one cow and a child can't be much."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading Yet she said nothing, because her mother had often told her not to ask questions but to use her ears and eyes to learn.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "There's nothing I should like better," she replied, "for the work about one cow and a child can't be much."
for the reason that
From this reading Yet she said nothing, because her mother had often told her not to ask questions but to use her ears and eyes to learn.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading "There's nothing I should like better," she replied, "for the work about one cow and a child can't be much."
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Yet she said nothing, because her mother had often told her not to ask questions but to use her ears and eyes to learn.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
can't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "There's nothing I should like better," she replied, "for the work about one cow and a child can't be much."
a young person of either sex
From this reading "There's nothing I should like better," she replied, "for the work about one cow and a child can't be much."
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
prepare a hot meal
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
cownounUS /kaʊ/
female of domestic cattle: "“moo-cow” is a child's term"
From this reading "There's nothing I should like better," she replied, "for the work about one cow and a child can't be much."
dairy-work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading "You will do, I'm sure," said he, "and if you had time to spare I suppose you wouldn't mind helping me weed the garden or pick fruit in the orchard."
downsnounUS /daʊnz/
plural of “down” — soft fine feathers
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading Yet she said nothing, because her mother had often told her not to ask questions but to use her ears and eyes to learn.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Yet she said nothing, because her mother had often told her not to ask questions but to use her ears and eyes to learn.
a social unit living together
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
the ripened reproductive body of a seed plant
From this reading "You will do, I'm sure," said he, "and if you had time to spare I suppose you wouldn't mind helping me weed the garden or pick fruit in the orchard."
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading "You will do, I'm sure," said he, "and if you had time to spare I suppose you wouldn't mind helping me weed the garden or pick fruit in the orchard."
a man of refinement
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Yet she said nothing, because her mother had often told her not to ask questions but to use her ears and eyes to learn.
hadn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
helpingnounUS /ˈhelpɪŋ/
an individual quantity of food or drink taken as part of a meal
From this reading "You will do, I'm sure," said he, "and if you had time to spare I suppose you wouldn't mind helping me weed the garden or pick fruit in the orchard."
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
hesitationnounUS /ˌhezəˈteɪʃən/
indecision in speech or action
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "You will do, I'm sure," said he, "and if you had time to spare I suppose you wouldn't mind helping me weed the garden or pick fruit in the orchard."
I'm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "You will do, I'm sure," said he, "and if you had time to spare I suppose you wouldn't mind helping me weed the garden or pick fruit in the orchard."
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading "You will do, I'm sure," said he, "and if you had time to spare I suppose you wouldn't mind helping me weed the garden or pick fruit in the orchard."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
knitverbUS /nɪt/
make (textiles) by knitting
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading Yet she said nothing, because her mother had often told her not to ask questions but to use her ears and eyes to learn.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading "There's nothing I should like better," she replied, "for the work about one cow and a child can't be much."
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "You will do, I'm sure," said he, "and if you had time to spare I suppose you wouldn't mind helping me weed the garden or pick fruit in the orchard."
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading "You will do, I'm sure," said he, "and if you had time to spare I suppose you wouldn't mind helping me weed the garden or pick fruit in the orchard."
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Yet she said nothing, because her mother had often told her not to ask questions but to use her ears and eyes to learn.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading "There's nothing I should like better," she replied, "for the work about one cow and a child can't be much."
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Yet she said nothing, because her mother had often told her not to ask questions but to use her ears and eyes to learn.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Yet she said nothing, because her mother had often told her not to ask questions but to use her ears and eyes to learn.
many times at short intervals
From this reading Yet she said nothing, because her mother had often told her not to ask questions but to use her ears and eyes to learn.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading "There's nothing I should like better," she replied, "for the work about one cow and a child can't be much."
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading "You will do, I'm sure," said he, "and if you had time to spare I suppose you wouldn't mind helping me weed the garden or pick fruit in the orchard."
orchardnounUS /ˈɔːrtʃərd/
garden consisting of a small cultivated wood without undergrowth
From this reading "You will do, I'm sure," said he, "and if you had time to spare I suppose you wouldn't mind helping me weed the garden or pick fruit in the orchard."
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
select carefully from a group
From this reading "You will do, I'm sure," said he, "and if you had time to spare I suppose you wouldn't mind helping me weed the garden or pick fruit in the orchard."
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading Yet she said nothing, because her mother had often told her not to ask questions but to use her ears and eyes to learn.
being connected either logically or causally or by shared characteristics
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading "There's nothing I should like better," she replied, "for the work about one cow and a child can't be much."
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Yet she said nothing, because her mother had often told her not to ask questions but to use her ears and eyes to learn.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading "There's nothing I should like better," she replied, "for the work about one cow and a child can't be much."
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
refrain from harming
From this reading "You will do, I'm sure," said he, "and if you had time to spare I suppose you wouldn't mind helping me weed the garden or pick fruit in the orchard."
spinverbUS /spɪn/
revolve quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
express a supposition
From this reading "You will do, I'm sure," said he, "and if you had time to spare I suppose you wouldn't mind helping me weed the garden or pick fruit in the orchard."
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading "You will do, I'm sure," said he, "and if you had time to spare I suppose you wouldn't mind helping me weed the garden or pick fruit in the orchard."
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
inflected form of “teach” — impart skills or knowledge to
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
There's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "There's nothing I should like better," she replied, "for the work about one cow and a child can't be much."
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading "You will do, I'm sure," said he, "and if you had time to spare I suppose you wouldn't mind helping me weed the garden or pick fruit in the orchard."
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Yet she said nothing, because her mother had often told her not to ask questions but to use her ears and eyes to learn.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading Yet she said nothing, because her mother had often told her not to ask questions but to use her ears and eyes to learn.
the act of using
From this reading Yet she said nothing, because her mother had often told her not to ask questions but to use her ears and eyes to learn.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
weednounUS /wiːd/
any plant that crowds out cultivated plants
From this reading "You will do, I'm sure," said he, "and if you had time to spare I suppose you wouldn't mind helping me weed the garden or pick fruit in the orchard."
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading "You will do, I'm sure," said he, "and if you had time to spare I suppose you wouldn't mind helping me weed the garden or pick fruit in the orchard."
in the company of; together with
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The gentleman looked so handsome and spoke so kind, that, without hesitation, she went on with him and related how her parents had a large family, that her mother had taught her dairy-work, to cook in a plain way, and to spin and knit.
past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something
From this reading Grace wondered how he came there, for she hadn't seen him coming over the downs; and was surprised that he knew her name.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading "There's nothing I should like better," she replied, "for the work about one cow and a child can't be much."
wouldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "You will do, I'm sure," said he, "and if you had time to spare I suppose you wouldn't mind helping me weed the garden or pick fruit in the orchard."
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet she said nothing, because her mother had often told her not to ask questions but to use her ears and eyes to learn.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "You will do, I'm sure," said he, "and if you had time to spare I suppose you wouldn't mind helping me weed the garden or pick fruit in the orchard."
